NEW DELHI: An Indian national was among two people killed by debris from a missile interception in Abu Dhabi in the United Arab Emirates on Thursday, taking the total Indian death toll in the conflict in West Asia to seven.
Another Indian national was among three people injured when shrapnel from air defense systems intercepted a ballistic missile on Sweihan Street in Abu Dhabi, according to UAE authorities.
The Indian Embassy in Abu Dhabi confirmed the death of the Indian citizen in a statement on social media. “The Embassy of India expresses its sincere condolences on the tragic death of an Indian citizen due to falling debris in Abu Dhabi today,” the statement read.
In addition to the Indian citizen, a Pakistani was killed in the incident. The Abu Dhabi Media Office said that an Emirati, a Jordanian, and an Indian were injured, and their injuries ranged from moderate to serious.
This was the first Indian death in the UAE since Israeli and US military strikes on Iran on February 28 sparked conflict in West Asia.
The Indian embassy said that it is coordinating closely with the UAE authorities to provide all possible support and assistance.
An Indian citizen was killed in missile and drone attacks on the Saudi capital, Riyadh, on March 18. Two other Indians were killed in an attack on an industrial zone in Oman on March 13, and three sailors died in attacks on commercial ships in the early days of the conflict. An Indian national was also reported missing.
Dozens of Indians, including workers and sailors, were injured in attacks in several Arab countries, including Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Oman and Iraq.
The Indian government focused on the safety and security of 10 million Indian citizens living in West Asian countries during its communication with the leadership of these countries in recent days. Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates are home to about eight million Indians.
